“I’m really confident about getting back to where I was and even better,” Belinda Bencic said in an interview via Zoom from Slovakia during her maternity leave last year. After welcoming daughter Bella in April, she made a remarkable return to court just 12 months later, in October. She chose to restart her journey through ITF events in Germany and Petange, and even made a finals run in Angers. That momentum carried her into 2025, as Bencic rejoined the tour with resilience. She clinched her first post-maternity title in Abu Dhabi, making her Madrid campaign especially meaningful and giving more reasons to celebrate!
On Wednesday, Bencic steamrolled past Zeynep Sonmez in her Madrid opener, winning 6-0, 6-2 in just an hour. She had a few hiccups in recent tournaments—quarterfinals in Indian Wells, but early exits in Miami and Charleston. This dominant performance showed she’s quickly finding her groove again. Ranked No. 42, her power and precision were on full display. She wrapped up the first set in a lightning-fast 26 minutes and surged ahead 4-2 in the second.
But there was a twist: Bencic was in a hurry to leave the court. When asked why, she told Sky Sports, her voice full of emotion, “I have a birthday party to attend. It’s my daughter’s first birthday, so it’s super special and I’m emotional already.” She wiped away a tear, clearly touched by the milestone.
It feels like just yesterday when her boyfriend and fitness coach, Martin Hromkovic, shared the sweet news. He posted a heartfelt Instagram photo of Bencic cradling newborn Bella, born April 23, 2024, captioned simply, “Our love Bella,” announcing their daughter’s arrival to fans.
“I have a birthday to attend, it’s my daughter’s first birthday”
The wholesome reason Belinda Bencic wanted a quick exit after her first-round win in Madrid pic.twitter.com/1DJScCbPzX
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) April 23, 2025
Motherhood has been a game-changer for Belinda Bencic. She announced her pregnancy in November 2023 and took a break after a strong season—two titles, and fourth rounds at Wimbledon and the US Open. Now, as she returns, she’s balancing life as a new mom with her tennis ambitions. Speaking to Swiss press in October, she said, “It was clear that I would come back after that. I’m 27, I feel good, I still have a few good years ahead of me on the tour.”
Did her maternity leave take her away from tennis? Unlikely! “Playing tennis is like riding a bike, you don’t forget it – but I have to get even fitter,” she said. “I’m also still breastfeeding. You have to take that into account. Martin is adapting my fitness plan accordingly. My body feels good.”
Fun fact: Her journey echoes a cool trend of tennis moms making swift comebacks lately—Elina Svitolina returned around six months after her October 2022 birth (April 2023), Caroline Wozniacki was back roughly three and a half years after retiring in January 2020 (August 2023), and Naomi Osaka made her return about five months after her July 2023 birth (December 2024).
What’s extra heartwarming is how much Bencic loves having Bella with her on tour. They were all together during her Abu Dhabi campaign, when she lifted the trophy! She’s embraced motherhood fully, finding joy in every moment with Bella and soaking up the love it brings to her tennis.
Belinda’s shift from being stationary to travelling every week
During her maternity break, Belinda Bencic finally experienced “normal” life—unpacking her suitcases, settling at home, meeting friends, and picking up hobbies. “Getting used to it all again, the packing, the flying, the traveling until you get to the tournaments: it’s probably not going to be easy. But the hardest thing will probably be being at home less again. I’ve gotten used to living like a normal person,” she admitted before her comeback. But since her Abu Dhabi title win, those doubts have faded.
She’s back in the top 100 and believes her best tennis is still ahead, crediting her baby break for giving her mind and body a much-needed reset after years of non-stop travel and competition.
Life on tour looks different now. Bencic travels with her daughter Bella, supported by her mother and mother-in-law. She often brings Bella to training, sometimes right onto the court. The little one is already a mini-celebrity, with stadium cameras searching for her. Still, Bencic is careful: “We agree that we shield Bella as much as possible. But she is now part of our lives and travels with us. We can’t and don’t want to hide her completely,” she explains.
Bencic’s priorities have clearly shifted. Tennis remains her job, but Bella is her purpose. “Tennis was my life and the sport is still very important to me. But today I know that there is more to life than just on the court. At the same time, I’m a little more relaxed and less tense about all the issues relating to my career.” She’s found a new balance, and it shows in her attitude both on and off the court.
Now, Bencic heads into the round of 64 in Madrid, set to face Clara Tauson—a familiar foe from their 2022 Doha clash at the same stage. Last time, Tauson got the better of her. But with this new chapter and her unstoppable momentum, could Bencic pull off an upset and keep her comeback rolling? Share your thoughts below!
The post “I’m Emotional Already” – Daughter Becomes Belinda Bencic’s First Priority as She Opens Up on Her Deepest Joy After Madrid Win appeared first on EssentiallySports.
